What is the IUPAC name for the compound with the structure CH3-CH2-CH(CH3)-C(=O)-OH?

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Q: What is the IUPAC name for the compound with the structure CH3-CH2-CH(CH3)-C(=O)-OH?

Solution: The compound has a hydroxyl group on the second carbon of a four-carbon chain, making it 2-Hydroxybutanoic acid.

Steps: 5

Step 1: Identify the longest carbon chain in the compound. The longest chain has four carbon atoms, which is called butane.
Step 2: Determine the functional groups present. The compound has a carboxylic acid group (-C(=O)-OH) and a hydroxyl group (-OH).
Step 3: Number the carbon chain starting from the end closest to the carboxylic acid group. This gives us the following numbering: 1 (C=O), 2 (C with -OH), 3 (C), 4 (C).
Step 4: Identify the position of the hydroxyl group. The hydroxyl group is on the second carbon, so we call it 2-hydroxy.
Step 5: Combine the names. Since the longest chain is butane and we have a carboxylic acid, we name it butanoic acid. Adding the hydroxyl group gives us 2-hydroxybutanoic acid.